MLB Notes

CUBS

Peralta called up to help bullpen

CINCINNATI — The Chicago Cubs have promoted right-hander Joel Peralta from the minors to help their bullpen for the start of a series at the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs signed the 40-year-old reliever this month after he was released by Seattle, where he was 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA. Chicago’s bullpen struggled during a 1-6 slump last week. Cubs Manager Joe Maddon said Monday that Peralta will be a boost in the clubhouse as well, comparing it to having another coach to help the younger players.

Right-handed reliever Gerardo Concepcion was optioned to Class AAA Iowa. He gave up a run during a 6-1 loss to the Miami Marlins on Sunday.

DODGERS

Kershaw treated for stiff back

PITTSBURGH — Clayton Kershaw was treated for lower back stiffness Monday, but Manager Dave Roberts said the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace would make his start later this week.

Kershaw gave up four runs in six innings Sunday during a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kershaw has been dealing with a back issue for “the last few weeks,” Roberts said.

“I don’t think it affected him [Sunday] night,” Roberts said. “But [Monday], he came up a little sore. Still got through his workout, his post-start workout. It’s day to day, but he’ll be ready for that next start.”

Kershaw is scheduled to pitch Friday against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.

For the Dodgers, any issue with Kershaw (11-2, 1.79 ERA) must be monitored with care. He remains the most valuable player in baseball, according to Baseball-Reference’s version of victories above replacement. But he was less sharp Sunday, giving up 9 hits, walking 2 and striking out only 4.

METS

Matz undergoes MRI on elbow

WASHINGTON — New York Mets pitcher Steven Matz could miss his next start because of elbow discomfort.

The left-hander, who left his start Friday at Atlanta in the fifth inning, underwent an MRI exam Monday in New York. He is scheduled to start Wednesday at Washington.

“We haven’t committed to Steven just yet,” Mets Manager Terry Collins said Monday.

Matz is 7-3 with a 3.29 ERA this year. He won seven consecutive starts earlier this season, but is 0-2 with a 5.91 ERA in June.

NATIONALS

Giolito set to return

WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals planned to recall top prospect Lucas Giolito to make his major league debut today against the New York Mets.

The No. 16 pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Giolito is 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 71 innings at Class AA Harrisburg this season. The 21-year-old right-hander is ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Nationals’ organization by Baseball America.

“He’s ready for the task,” Nationals Manager Dusty Baker said Monday.

A spot opened in Washington’s rotation when right-hander Stephen Strasburg was placed on the disabled list Sunday because of an upper back strain. Strasburg was scratched from his last two starts and underwent an MRI exam Monday.

Baker wasn’t sure Giolito would remain with the Nationals for as long as Strasburg is sidelined.

BRAVES

Cabrera recalled

ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves right-hander Alexi Ogando has been designated for assignment and right-hander Mauricio Cabrera has been recalled from Class AA Mississippi.

Ogando gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning in Atlanta’s 5-2 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday. He was 2-1 with a 3.94 ERA in 36 games.

He spent his first five seasons with Texas and appeared in a career-high 64 games with Boston last year, when he was 3-1 with a 3.99 ERA.

The 22-year-old Cabrera’s first appearance will be his major league debut. He was 3-3 with a 3.21 ERA and 4 saves in 25 games at Mississippi. He has 35 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings.

YANKEES

Deal struck with StubHub

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees and StubHub ended their squabble, announcing a sponsorship agreement Monday that sets an advertising minimum price for resale tickets.

StubHub will become the official fan-to-fan ticket reseller for the Yankees, replacing Ticketmaster’s Yankee Ticket Exchange, and will be fully operational July 7. Ticketmaster will still remain the primary ticket vendor for the Yankees.

The agreement is worth about $100 million to the team over 6½ years, a person familiar with the negotiation said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the value was not disclosed.

Speaking at a news conference, Yankees President Randy Levine said generally the lowest price a seat can be advertised for resale will be 50 percent of what a ticket is sold for as a part of a full-season plan.

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